difficulty lies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'difficulty lies' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used when talking about obstacles or challenges that need to be overcome. For example, "The difficulty lies in getting all the stakeholders to agree on the same plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The difficulty lies in balancing the texture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The difficulty lies in reconciling these values.

The Guardian - Opinion

The difficulty lies in taking the protected characteristics into account.

The Guardian

But maybe the difficulty lies with poetry itself.

The New York Times

Another potential difficulty lies in China's rigid political system.

The New York Times

Much of the difficulty lies in the form itself.

The New York Times - Books

Much of the difficulty lies in making the observations.

The New York Times

One difficulty lies in the six-party complexities.

The Economist

The difficulty lies in the lack of fluids (and caffeine) rather than not eating.

The Guardian

Part of the game's difficulty lies in the lack of a "save" feature.

The New York Times - Tech

The difficulty lies in judging Abu Dhabi's appetite for a rescue.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "difficulty lies" to pinpoint the core issue or obstacle within a complex situation. This helps to focus analysis and problem-solving efforts.

Common error

Avoid using "difficulty lies" in overly general or vague statements without specifying what the difficulty actually is. Instead, provide clear and specific details about the nature of the challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difficulty lies" functions as a means to pinpoint the primary source of a problem or challenge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate the location where the obstacle resides, guiding focus for analysis and resolution, and is supported by many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

59%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difficulty lies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to pinpoint the core issue or challenge within a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and commonly employed in identifying obstacles. The phrase is most prevalent in scientific and news contexts, making it appropriate for a range of formal communication. When writing, ensure to use this phrase to specify what the challenge is, avoiding vague statements. Alternatives like "the problem resides in" or "the main issue is" can be used for variety. Overall, using "difficulty lies" effectively enhances clarity by directing focus to the primary source of the problem.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main issue is

Highlights the primary concern or difficulty.

the real problem is

Emphasizes that the identified issue is the most significant one.

the obstacle is

Directly identifies the impediment or barrier.

the problem resides in

Focuses on where the issue is located, emphasizing the problem's location.

the core issue is

Pinpoints the central or most important aspect of the difficulty.

the root of the problem is

Indicates the fundamental cause of the issue.

the source of the difficulty is

Identifies the origin or starting point of the difficulty.

the challenge stems from

Highlights the origin of the challenge, shifting focus to its source.

the heart of the difficulty is

Focuses on the central aspect of the problem.

the crux of the matter is

Emphasizes the most important point or aspect of the problem.

FAQs

How can I use "difficulty lies" in a sentence?

The phrase "difficulty lies" is used to indicate where the main problem or challenge exists within a situation. For example, "The "difficulty lies" in securing sufficient funding for the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "difficulty lies"?

You can use alternatives such as "the "problem resides in"", "the "challenge stems from"", or "the "main issue is"" to convey a similar meaning.

What's the difference between "difficulty lies" and "challenge lies"?

"Difficulty lies" generally refers to a problem or obstacle that needs to be overcome. "Challenge lies" also suggests an obstacle, but often implies that overcoming it will require significant effort and resourcefulness.

Is it grammatically correct to say "the difficulty lies in"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "the difficulty lies in" is commonly followed by a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing) or a noun phrase that specifies the area where the difficulty is located.